- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£40
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£40
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
1 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
1 h 9 m
Trains on 29 Aug
17
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Reading will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 17 trains from Bristol to Reading, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 113 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
W34470
W34468
C42147
C42148
W34475
C42158
W34468
W34463
C42462 · W35172
W34470Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £33, while a coach costs an average of £41.
Distance: 113 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price |
1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Reading trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34459 | 6:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 7:10 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34461 | 6:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h11 | 7:41 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y41775 · W35164 | 6:34 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h11 | 7:45 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
W34463 | 7:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h09 | 8:09 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34465 | 7:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h11 | 8:41 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01059+ W35168 | 7:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h13 | 8:46 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
W34468 | 8:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h09 | 9:09 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42306 · C42300 | 8:11 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h23 | 9:34 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
W34470 | 8:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 9:40 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42462 · W35172 | 8:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 9:48 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
C42147 | 8:58 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h12 | 10:10 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00853+ W35174 | 9:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h18 | 10:18 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
C42158 | 9:18 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h05 | 10:23 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34475 | 9:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 10:40 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y41787 · C42289 | 9:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 10:48 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
C42148 | 10:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h12 | 11:12 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
C42149 | 10:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h10 | 11:40 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Bristol to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 1h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 5m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:52 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Reading by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Reading trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Tilehurst. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need